Best method for using DE in flat filter?

[Snowy Pass Maple]

We have not used DE before but would like to try with a flat filter - a friend from the list is going to give me a bit to try. After putting 20 gals of syrup through our flat filter, it pretty much stopped up. I washed it which should help, but I've also read that not disturbing it a whole lot can be better for getting the best performance. We're packing in glass as well. The syrup taken thus far through the filter looks fantastic - just need to get more through. We'll also reheat in a water bath for final bottling to avoid more niter formation.

My main question is how do most of you use DE with flat filters?

I am thinking I want to get some sort of filter cake established with the DE that once setup, shouldn't be disturbed. As you pour more syrup in, I am worried that it would just dislodge the DE and make it less effective. Is it worth doing something like sending a smaller amount through with DE, let it filter and settle the DE, then cover that layer with a prefilter to protect it, and then continue to add syrup?

If you go that route, should DE be added with each gallon of syrup added to make multiple layers?

Should I cover the synthetic filter with a pre-filter to simplify cleanup of the DE when done?

Am I over-thinking this too much and just mix and pour and it will be so much more awesome than no DE? :lol:

Thanks,
Colin

[maple flats]

Send a PM to Mountainvan. He was the first I know of to routinely use DE with flat filters

[mrnoodle]

Birch? Is that possible? I've never read that anywhere. Can you tell me more?

[Snowy Pass Maple]

Birch? Is that possible? I've never read that anywhere. Can you tell me more?

Yes, imagine everything you know about maple and make it way harder :-) Around here, it's about 180 gallons of sap to 1 gallon of syrup, temperatures are higher so you have to collect 2X/day and process fast to avoid spoiling, wash all collection buckets very frequently, along w/tanks, and you can't boil on evaporator to finish as it contains fructose that scorches. Then you have to convince people that this unusual tasting stuff should cost 10X that of maple because of how hard it was to make. If that sounds fun after a grueling season of maple, then birch is for you! :lol:

Seriously though it's a totally different taste too - search birch on here and you'll find a lot.

[Snowy Pass Maple]

Send a PM to Mountainvan. He was the first I know of to routinely use DE with flat filters

Thanks - that helped me find a good thread in search by including his name -

http://mapletrader.com/community/showthread.php?1477-filter-aid-with-flat-filters

Sounds like he may be charging the filter with 1 gallon mixed with DE - and then running everything else after that. I'll PM him to see if we can get more details!